How To Make A 50 Amp Generator Cord | Build your own Generator Cable

[@jamesborton9237]

It is always best to spend your money on the wire going from the outlet generator box to the electrical panel. I always recomend #6 awg to accommodate 50 amps. This IS BEST practice even if you have only a 30 amp generator output. SOMEDAY , you will UPGRADE to a 50 amp output generator and you would ALREADY have the correct wire installed.

[@MrHadite81]

Thanks again! Just purchased the WGen 9500 DF and was having a heck of a time trying to figure out what cord configuration I needed for 50 amp hook up. You have saved the day again... Thanks, subbed!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Awesome! Glad you found it helpful. This setup has worked really well for me! Thanks for the feedback!

[@JJHDZ68]

Wow! Another great inspirational video. THANK YOU for your time and sharing your knowledge.

[@PelukaUSA]

BEST EXPLANATION EVER..!!! THANK YOU...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

[@yamspaine]

Seeing this helped me. That is a 3 prong with a ground... so I may be able to get an adapter. I was thinking I needed a 4 prong plug on the house and this answers it methinks...

[@raymondgarafano8604]

The NEC states that signage be used when back-feeding. So it means a sign at the panel says upper two breakers on r. side connect to gen receptacle, and a special bolt used to secure said breakers. Also u can get a mechanical transfer device that links with the Mains and gen breaker. this means The MAINS breaker MUST be in the OFF position to allow GEN breaker to be placed in the ON position. this is LEGAL.

[@erikthered3601]

What does the metal point in the middle of the 50 amp plug do? And thank you very much for explaining this for us!! Your video is top notch!!

[@brycebarger6524]

Thank you for the video. I have a XP12000E DuroMax and I'm trying to determine if I need to go with the 30 amp set up or the 50 amp set up. It's a 9500 running watts so im leaning more towards a 50 amp set up and I'm thinking it will give me more power to run a few more breakers in the house at once. If you can let me know what you think about that it is much appreciated!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Bryce, from what I've read, that's a nice generator. Yeah, I would go with a 50 amp setup as not only do your starting watts (12,000 at 240 volts = 50 amps) exceed 30 amps, your running watts (9,500 at 240 volts = 39 amps) do too. Your generator should also already have circuit breakers on the unit itself, so if anything was to start surging, it should trip the circuit breaker on the generator. I hope this helps!

[@TNRonin]

@@HowToHomeDIY quick question. I want/need to upgrade my 30A to 50A since I just purchased a larger generator. The electrician that put in the 30A outlet will do the 50A. I realize I'll need the breaker, outlet, and cord (interlock is already in place). Do we need to upgrade the wire between the breaker and outlet? It's maybe 2ft. I realize he'll know, but I like to be informed just to make sure? Thanks for the cord tutorial.

[@MattP72581]

@@TNRonin Depends on what is already in place but likely yes. 10ga is rated for 30 amps, you need 6ga to get 50.

[@rayapplegate1015]

50 amp for sure.

[@jerryf609]

Could you run both the 30amp AND 50 amp to the panel to get more amps available?

[@mae2759]

If you have a 50 amp inlet plug to the breaker, but only have a 30 amp generator, could you make a cord with a 30 amp 4 prong plug for the generator end and a 50 amp female plug for the inlet end?

[@orioltorrecilla9378]

yes

[@johnduffy532]

What is the length of your 50A cord? I’m contemplating a 75’ cord but I’m not sure what AWG I will need.

[@raymondgarafano8604]

I made a gen corset using a heavy cord SO or SJ but for rugged environment. I put the red on X at both ends and the black on Y at both ends. maybe it does not make a difference electrically but if there was a problem, u'd expect continuity.. say ur looking at both ends of the cord set neutral towards you and ground opposite, then the Hot prong on left of one end should have continuity with left prong of other end.

[@pavelsanchez9606]

Very good video and have a question: how I reduce the high amp consumption on my 4 ton Ac Carrie to running a generator for the complete house. Thank you for your time on your excellent videos

[@BurgaBea_Stro]

He has a video on a installation of a soft start for generator usage hope you find it on KZbin please be safe God bless God is Love

[@miknrene]

The connector body you installed almost certainly came with instructions that include the prescribed dimensions for cover removal and strip length. No need to guess at those things.

[@neilschneider7367]

Thanks for the video.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Neil, you are welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@1980sLegoFan]

How far did you insert the wires into the colored holes X, Y, G, W? I just want to insert the copper wire but not the insulation? Looks like there is room but I don’t want to shove the wire too far

[@rexrosier689]

Great video as always. I’m confused about sizing though. The 50 amp cords I see online say they’re rated for up to 12,000 watts. I’m installing a Generac 15000/22,500 portable. Would a cord with 6 gauge wire bee enough to carry the load?

[@olivia8244]

Mop

[@MattP72581]

I believe you are going to be limited to the max watts 50amp can handle which is 12,500.

[@12ramort]

Great videos! I have a 9k predator generator but now I want a bigger one with 50 amp. Would you say it’s best to have a 50’ wire from inlet to panel or 50’ generator extension cord?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Picking between the two will really just be personal preference. There won't be a difference as far as possible voltage drop picking one or the other as long as the wire gauge is the the same. Hope this helps! Thank you for the feedback!

[@yamspaine]

doing the 50ft run on the house with thick wire is likely cheaper and the extension cable will likely be more expensive and get worn out... but... you can choose more places to move it.

[@100610victor]

I have a question. I have a second dryer outlet. Can I change it into a 30 or 50 amp inlet?

[@lex_DO]

No. Mostly likely only fed with a #10. 50amp is #6.

[@audi_kid]

Great video thank you!

[@miket5506]

Great video!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Mike, thank you for the feedback. Glad you found it helpful!

[@miket5506]

@@HowToHomeDIY no problem! Thanks for taking the time to make it! I already knew how to do this, but I’m looking to put a 50a inlet onto my house in the near future so I’m looking at just about every video that falls into that category. My cousin has an inlet on the side of his house but he has 2 separate panels (2 services for what used to be a 2 family house). He put one of those drier plugs coming off of each panel and runs a 3-foot suicide cord/widowmaker cord between the 2 panels when backfeeding. We joke about it because we both know it’s not correct and he of all people should know because he used to build power plants in the thousands of megawatts category. He could’ve just tied the two panels together with a dedicated 50a breaker each and a 6 inch conduit but whatever 😅

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

may not be a major concern for this type of make up but I would look into using a torque screw driver for those connector lugs - again it may not not matter all that much for a cable being used temporarily and without much current load but where it's a more permanent install (say for an EV's EVSE) not having the lugs properly tight can be an issue...

[@EchoTangoSuitcase]

I've got a 50-amp female twist-lock inlet that basically feeds into a 60-amp breaker in my panel. Why 60? Because I THOUGHT I was going to get a generator with a 60amp outlet and I got one with a 50, but I left the 60 in place because it was basically going to be an on/off switch. (The generator has a 50amp breaker.) But that's not why I made this post. I wanted back you up about how "wrong" doesn't mean unsafe. So anyway, my "interlock" is a piece of red duct tape that sits either on the 60amp breaker or on my mains breaker. The way I keep safe is simple; I just have a process: 1. Turn off mains, move duct tape from 60amp inlet breaker to 200amp mains. (I also turn off HVAC breaker and shut off the clothes dryer if it had been running.) 2. Go out to generator and plug in power cord. (Other end stays in inlet box all the time) 3. Start generator, let idle smooth out. 4. Go back inside and turn on the 60amp inlet breaker. By the time I get back inside, the generator has been running for a few minutes, so it's warmed up.

[@ntelegene]

The 'suicide cord is against the code requirements everywhere in Texas and I suspect nationally. There are a lot of arguments that may be made about unsafe or not, but considering the heat and energy loss caused by running high amps through low capacity wiring, I would not jeopardize my home to save $60. Still, to each his reach!

[@EchoTangoSuitcase]

In what way does your comment apply to anything that I have said?

[@TimfromAlabama]

I just bought a Westinghouse 9500/12500 surge generator and it has the 30 amp twist and the 50 amp plug. Can I just buy the rv 50 amp cord and it work to connect from the inlet to the generator 50 amp plug end or are they totally different plug ends? I know many 50 amp rv cords are up to 100 feet long (i'd never run over a 25 to 50 ft myself) and if they'd work it would be easier to just get that rv wire and not have to build one. Thanks for any info.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Tim, you certainly can buy pre made cords. You just have to make sure that both ends are compatible with whatever it is you have. Typically the 50 amp plug for the generator is always going to be the same but depending on what you are then plugging it into exactly on your house or RV will then dictate what plug you need for that. Some have the twist lock for their power inlet box and then some of the RV boxes I believe are male end inputs. In that case you may have to make up your own if you can't find exactly what fits your scenario. Hope this helps!

[@bze06fishinbwai63]

From my Main power box, I want to run the power cable to my power intel box about 100'. What awg of wire should I use from the main power to my power intel box? Thanks

[@doge5603]

What's your expected current or wattage?

[@100610victor]

I'm still installing an interlock and would move the dryer breaker (now generator) to the top right

[@jamesthomas-yk1um]

Hello would you change out any parts for this complete install now.

[@bluesman787]

What generator did you get? I have the same house side plug all ready installed.I need a good generator now.

[@Joe-hu7di]

The biggest one that you can afford and have a 50a supply. You have to be really careful with modern appliances as they have electronics and low voltage when something like a well or dryer runs and draws the voltage down. The biggest ones burn more gas though. I got it that size bc my well needs it. The well draws 13a starting. My 8kw burns 1/2 gallon an hour. It's overkill at night with only running the refrigerators and night lites. We shut it off at night to save gas. We have been doing this for 4 days now and have had no issues with food thawing. I will not run any AC though and I have 30 now and the dryer complained loudly. I am going through the Helene tropical storm in WNC. No house damage but I have been without power for a week. My son has a 2kw gen portable we have been running the refrigerators on for 4 days before we bought an 8kw unit.

[@tophattommy2]

This is the second of your videos that I watched for considerations regarding wire gauge to use.... Neither mentioned it. :(

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You must be skipping around on the videos then. In this video it is spoken about early on. But it is always talked about 🙂

[@tophattommy2]

@@HowToHomeDIY thanks. I must have missed it. I was listening specifically for gauge. They are good videos. I am thankful for them!

[@ronpearl4660]

Good instructions, thank you!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I am glad they were helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@AIRWARFAREGROUP]

Great video - What's the Part Number on the Twist Lock Plug...would it be the LL550C that will mate with the PBN50 box?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey again, thank you! Yes that should be it. I put a link in the description of the video that you can click on and it will take you right to the one I am using and works perfectly with the PBN50 box. Hope this helps!

[@AIRWARFAREGROUP]

@@HowToHomeDIY Super, I looked it up while waiting to hear from you and the 4' cord w/male plug and twist-lock plug arrive next Thursday...the Receptacle box arrives in 2 weeks...yay! Hour home is 15 years old and the original owners had a panel built-in for the downstairs essentials. After owning this home 6 years, we are finally pairing in a Westinghouse W9500/12500DF generator. Your videos have helped me decide and take action...thanks!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Ok excellent! I am glad the videos have been helpful for you. Sounds like you will be up and running in no time and you're doing it the right way. That is a nice generator. It is going to be able to power a lot of things. Probably more than is on your panel, but that's a good thing. You are going to really like having it all setup. Feel free to message me on here if you run into any questions. I would be more than happy to help you out if I can!

[@joshbishop103]

I noticed the 50 amp cable you used says it has 6/3+8/1 wire. Should I be concerned about that 8 gauge wire if I want to have the full capacity of my 50 amp generator outlet?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

The #8 wire is just the ground wire. All of the conductors are #6. This is very normal.

[@TheKjowrph]

This is exactly what I'm wanting to do. Need 100 ft. What will the effect be since it's over 50 ft. Specs: Westinghouse wen 9500 df. Inlet: reliance pb 50 hooked into panel with interlock kit. Seen online price for 100 ft cord for $500. Advice. Make it or buy online? Do the big box stores sell the cord?? If not where to buy??? Thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

So at 100ft. there will be some voltage drop but it would probably not be noticeable. I personally found that making it was much less expensive for the longer cords. The big box stores will not carry a generator cord that long but they might carry cord on a roll to make one. I personally found mine online. I believe I have a link in the description that you could check out and it might get you to an area where you can find exactly what you need. Hope this helps!!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I do not but it sounds like I need to make one haha

[@massp0108]

Awesome vid! One question though, why is it that the generator (male) end has 4 prongs, while the home/inlet (female) end only has 3? Is it the ground prong that is "...removed..."?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey good question. If you look at the female plug you will see a piece of metal on the side of it. That is the ground for the plug. That will make contact with a piece of metal on the sidewall inside of the power inlet box. That is the ground.

[@arciefan]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thanks for the video and that reply as I was wondering the same myself. I've had m y same setup installed by licensed electrician. The problem I have is the power cord is 80ft long and it's starting to bother me handling that weight. I just ordered a male and a female plug (50 amp that appear to be 3 prong, made by Marinco that I'm guessing since I don't have them yet are the same scenario as your plug. In fact the plug to my generator is like yours ( prewired 4 prong) and the one at the house is the Marinco 3 prong just like I ordered (male and female). So I'm gonna cut the cord in half and put the male and female plugs in and expecting it should work fine. Sorry so long, Thanks again!

[@raymondgarafano8604]

or your dog or cat or kids. . .even when mains are off, the gen running into a suicide cord with the other end not plugged into anything yup a sure means of disaster and heart-ache. I know a guy in FL did this. the house wiring was safe and the dryer had 10 gage fused at 30 but he tried pulling 30 amps thru a gen cord of 12 gage good for 20 amps. He was not far from a fire as the cordset began to smoke rather nicely. It is dangerous what some ppl do, they think 'No power out on the grid, nuthin ta worry about! they have no idea what a transformer is or what it does but ignorance will cause them BIG issues. picture a dark and windy night, rain or snow. 4 houses down the linesmen don't hear a gen running. Benny Benoit hookt up his gen to the dryer after a 6 pack of beer and since his lites are on, he thinks he is all set. meanwhile 240 from his gen is going up the service drops and is now using what's ordinarily the xformers secondary as a primary and with a 30 to 1 ratio the line on the transformers primary side and a wire is down on the ground, it has 7,200 volts on it.

[@sebastianhamilton5892]

Great video. Does anyone know if/where I can buy a similar cord but SOOW instead of STW? Thermoplastic is very tough, but nothing lays as flat as a rubber cord -- even in the cold.

[@yvesrobichaud4164]

What size of wire should I get for a 50-amp generator panel

[@HowToHomeDIY]

#6

[@yvesrobichaud4164]

@@HowToHomeDIY is it a 6/4

[@Ryan-de9ox]

@@yvesrobichaud4164 6/3 8/1 so 6 gauge for the three main wires and 8 ga for the ground works.

[@richardstowe22]

I have a 8500 Black Max and a 10,000 Gentron generators, can I hook both up to breaker panel and run both at same time TIA

[@HowToHomeDIY]

No, you would only be able to run one at a time on the same panel. If you had a transfer switch for one and a power inlet box with interlock kit then you could run both because they would be separated. Just as an example.

[@TheGregWallace]

Question........with the setup, what size breaker are you going to put in your panel?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I put a 50 amp double pole breaker in the panel for my generator.

[@TheGregWallace]

@@HowToHomeDIY What size generator do you have?

[@Ssbad24]

I was wondering how a 3 prong recipticle works on 4 wires. I just noticed the green ground wire goes to the metal on the outside not a prong. That explains it..

[@ntelegene]

And you are so correct. The ground is on a plate on the side of the plug and the receptacle. The prong is just a guide to help keep you from twisting off the prongs...

[@nathandalton8243]

I’m an electrician and I wouldn’t tell people this. Once they realize how easy it IS they will try. DOING this isn’t hard, learning the safety issues took me YEARS. THAT sir is what you are not thinking about. All it takes is one mistake and there is no going back. I don’t tell people this shit because I like to sleep at night.

[@fmdday]

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, someone is going to get knocked on their ass when it’s wet !! No weather integrity on that end.

[@PrimeTimePicker]

Great video. My only question is with the reliance 50 amp box. Have you notice any fading - yellowing or discoloration over time on that Grey color box ?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes some slight discoloration as it is on the side of the house that is in the sun all day.

[@kurtamiss]

Great Videos By the Way! I have paralleled two 3,000 watt inverter generators. I know they will only give 50 amps at 125 volts but I want to wire my homemade parallel box to feed a power inlet to my house. My question is the cord for this 125 volt system made the same as in your video? (I assume you are getting 250 volts from your generator.) If so will both sides of my bus bar be energized so as not to have to move preferred circuits in the panel? I have read where people use a four wire plug for a 30 amp feed and jump both sides together to energize both sides for convenience.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Dog Yeller, yes I am running 240 volts and using a double pole breaker in the main panel. This will not be the same cord setup for your generator. I believe most inverter generators are using TT-30 outlet which consists of a line, neutral, and ground, hence why it is 120. This being said it would not power both legs in your main panel. I have heard of others using the method that you mentioned but that poses a risk of a fire hazard. As inconvenient as it is, the safest way to do it would be to move the preferred circuits in the panel to the leg that will be energized. But keep in mind not to put the panel out of balance or overload it. I do like the clean power that the inverter generators produce. I hope this helps! Thank you very much for the feedback!

[@bubbatime]

That can be dangerous in certain instances. First of all you have to make sure to turn off all 240 circuits so you don’t fry them. Also, many newer homes are using what’s called a shared neutral circuit. They save wire by only using one neutral wire per every two circuits. The neutral wire is not protected by a breaker… so it’s possible that you could overload that neutral wire by energizing both sides of the panel with a 120v generator

[@stevenmchenry9276]

Nice

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thanks for the feedback! 👍

[@j9medeiros]

I run my generator power into my welding plug . I shut of my main and I plug the male plug first and then female into the generator. NO SUICIDE PLUG.

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

Back-Feeding done correctly is not Bad !

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I agree with you. It can be done and I think I mention in the video that I know folks that do it. It just isn't the "recommended" way of doing it due to if you don't take the precautions necessary or forget to it can be dangerous . As long as the main breaker is off and you don't touch the male end of the cord going into the laundry or range outlet with power going through it, chances are things will work out. Thanks for the comment.

[@michaelmetres-akbar2975]

Thank you for another great video. I need a 60-70 ft 50 amp cable from my panel to the inlet box. Where can I purchase one? What I see on Amazon are mostly preassembled and around 50 ft.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Michael, thank you for the kind words! I just want to make sure we are on the same page, are you talking about needing a 60-70 foot extension cord from the generator to the inlet box or wiring to connect the power inlet box to the panel? I know you said the latter but then also mentioned ones being preassembled on Amazon so I just want to make sure I am picturing what you are saying correctly.

[@michaelmetres-akbar2975]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thank you for your quick response this is the wiring to connect the power inlet box to the panel.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@michaelmetres-akbar2975 Ok great, that is what I thought you were talking about. You can get the wire that you are needing in order to connect your power inlet box to your panel at your local home improvement store. 50 amps you would need 6 gauge wire. Check your local code to find out which wire should be used for indoor use, whether that be BX or NM (Romex) wire. If being run outside it would need to be run using aluminum or pvc piping per code so make sure to check on this as well. I hope this helps!

[@michaelmetres-akbar2975]

@@HowToHomeDIY Thank you so much for your answers.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@michaelmetres-akbar2975 You are very welcome. If you run into anything else, feel free to give me a shout!

[@kurtamiss]

I have paralleled two 3,000 watt inverter generators. I know If so will both side of my bus bar be energized so as not to

[@fmdday]

That end won’t be water resistant, most commercial cords have molded ends that provide weather integrity.

[@bze06fishinbwai63]

Can both sides of the connector be like the one connecting to the Generator? Or it had to be that one that you have? Thanks.

[@Stephen-vb5mf]

Both ends cannot be the same. The male end plugs into the generator. The female end plugs into a receptacle that has protected recessed male prongs. If you had a male end on both sides the male plug on the end that is not plugged into the generator has the possibility of having the power to exposed male prongs. This kind of power cord is referred to as a suicide plug. I can kill and will kill people.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I agree with what Stephen said. Now the cord in the video is for a 50 amp generator plug, so the male end for the generator looks completely different than the female going into the power inlet box. If you had a 30 amp twist lock, the two ends would be similar looking in shape but the end going into the generator would be male and the side going into the power inlet box should be female.

[@bze06fishinbwai63]

@@Stephen-vb5mf I appreciate your help, now I know exactly what to do and get to make it work like yours. Thanks for all your help.

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

@@HowToHomeDIY I must say, your video was excellent and very informative. I really appreciate your willingness to help others with their generator set ups. I truly wish you well… Cheers from Canada P.S. we are currently experiencing extreme cold weather here, and i dont have a backup generator (yet), so do hope we dont loose power anytime soon. 🥶

[@johnpicard4909]

Thank you for the video. I am assuming a 30 amp plug would be made the same way? Leaning towards buying a bigger generator to where I would need 50 amp but just curious in case I buy one not that big.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes, you assumed correctly. The wiring instructions for a 30 amp twist lock plug would be the same as the 50 amp. You wouldn't need 6 gauge wire for 30 amp like you do for the 50 amp though. Would need at least 10 gauge wire for the 30 amp. If you were talking about a dryer or range plug, it will be very similar as well. There will be two hot wires (red and black), a neutral or common wire (white), and then a ground wire (green or bare). Hope this helps. Thank you for watching!

[@johnpicard4909]

Ok perfect! Thank you again for all of the information!

[@HowToHomeDIY]

You are welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@stevebeaulieu2617]

Hi, do you know how I can make 50 amp plug from a generator who has 30 amp plug? I D'like to make it work two rv ac at the same time with the generator but I need over 30 amp. Thanks.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Steve, you can customize a cord to have whatever plugs you want at each end and wire in between. However, keep in mind, if the generator only has a 30 amp female plug on it, then they are trying to limit you to what the generator's output is so you don't try to draw more than it's capable of or rated for. If you are needing more than 30 amps of power then you will probably need to look at a bigger generator. I hope this helps!

[@mikekendall5835]

I'm curious why would you need 4 wires... I would think all you need is the 2 hots and that's it... A generator is not making a ground or a neutral right?...thanks

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Mike, you do need the hots and neutral in order to complete the circuit. The ground is another issue though depending on whether it's bonded or a floating neutral as to how everything is grounded but in many instances the generator will be grounded and need the ground wire. Hope this helps.

[@petersack5074]

re: 4 wires. ok. here's the scoop on 240 volt. White wire, = common Red= 120 volt with white. Black = 120 volt with white. the other wire (should be green) would be the ground wire......Red + black = 240 volts. oldtech

[@ooglek]

Is that end you added considered waterproof or water-resistant?

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

👍🏽

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Thank you Mark!

[@Wood56jam]

Thank you for the video, I'm. Starting out too. I have than DureMax (Beast 2) XE12000EH. Looking for the 50 amp cable run for about 50 +more feet, but all also expenses. So the hunt is into making my own. How much and where to buy from for the 30 ft cable, intel box, female connector.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Wood Jam, that is a nice generator. All of the items you saw in the video were bought on amazon.com. Reliance 50 amp twist lock plug Conntek 14302 Generator Power Cord 30-Foot 50 Amp Male Plug to Bare Wire Reliance PBN50 50 amp power inlet Box. Those are all of the items. 50 foot will be more expensive but I do think it is offered. If you need anything else feel free to message me!

[@jsprz5928]

I have a PB50 box and whats the difference between the PBN50 and mine

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Nothing wrong with the PB50. The main difference is the PBN50, the plug faces down towards the ground and there is just a lot more room in the box itself. Hope this answers your question!

[@SeriouslySalty516]

What gauge is the wire?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Kevin, in this particular cord, the live and neutral wires are all 6 gauge and the ground wire is 8 gauge.

[@Timmer1]

4:30 the top right of this youtube video only has "watch later" and "share button" no link to other videos why does so many people say top right for links???

[@HowToHomeDIY]

It is there. I believe they just won't pop up while on a mobile device.

[@Timmer1]

@@HowToHomeDIY im pc

[@HowToHomeDIY]

I don’t know then. I checked on my pc and it pops up.

[@davidvandermeir5969]

The problem is people being people, someone WILL forget to shut off the main breaker, DO NOT DO THIS!!! Install the proper panel, it is easy, and not nearly as expensive as killimg someone when you backfeed into the grid.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

David how does that have anything to do with this video? This is all about making a proper cord for a proper power inlet box.

[@davidvandermeir5969]

@@HowToHomeDIY Transfer Switches Transfer switches whether manual or automatic, allow you to choose between utility power or backup generator power Transfer switches are the only way to safely power your home’s electrical system Using a transfer switch prevents backfeeding. This occurs when your generator becomes a power source for the surrounding area and can damage your home, your neighbor’s home, and injure workers trying to restore power

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Yes I know. This is how to make a cord to be able to connect to a transfer switch or interlock kit. You have to plug it into a power inlet box regardless of which method is used. This is not a suicide cord that is just plugged into a dryer outlet.

[@marktheunitedstatescitezen185]

You can change you’re dryer plug to that generator plug to add that twist-Lock plug

[@miket5506]

Wouldn't recommend that because if you ever unplug your dryer you'll have the hot prongs of the inlet plug to worry about. Best to give the inlet its own dedicated circuit or to use a transfer switch.

[@num1machinegunneroif]

What size generator do you have coming

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Hey Andy, it was actually delivered this past week. It is the Cat RP12000E. It has 15,000 surge watts and 12,000 running watts. I have connected the generator cord made in the video to it and it worked great.

[@num1machinegunneroif]

Awesome I am looking for a big unit like that. I want to power my home AC unit, 3ton and a few other things. I see alot of 30A type hookups from gen to house but I want to go 50A. I will be starting from scratch, 1st generator then everything else to connect to my house. I live in Corpus Christi TX, Padre Island. Just had Hanna blow through. I borrowed a Cat 6500 generator. It worked great but I want whole house power or as much as I can get.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

​@@num1machinegunneroif Yes you are thinking the same as I was and am. I wanted to be able to power my 4 ton AC and more. I can tell you that after installing the 50 amp power inlet box (video tomorrow) to my main panel, installing a soft start kit on my AC unit, and buying that generator, I am able to power up the AC and numerous circuits in the house with no issue. Generator barely pulls down. So, as of now I have nothing but good things to say about the CatRP12000E. It also has 5% THD so is a lot safer for your sensitive electronics. I also have a cat rp5500 generator that I can hookup to my transfer switch to help alleviate some of the load of the circuits. Hanna kind of blew up right before landfall, I dont know that anyone was expecting her to be a hurricane. I am in Florida so we are watching Isaias. Looking better and better but as you know, they are not very predictable!

[@num1machinegunneroif]

I be looking out for your video.

[@SeanBaker]

@@HowToHomeDIY I've been looking for a high watt generator with a 50 amp plug! Do you still like this generator?

[@pmaint1]

Why do all 50 amp cords come with 90° male ends? They dont work with my generator because the outlet on my generator is too low and i cant bend the cord enough to plug the cord in. I would say its poor engineering from the generator manufacturer.

[@jigsolve]

If you search NEMA 14-50P Assembly Plug you can find straight ones

[@daveflowers3070]

Lol, there's soo many keyboard warriors in this comment section.

[@yesijad]

I found it more expensive to make extension cord rather than buying one. Like 60% more to make one

[@HowToHomeDIY]

For a long 50 amp generator cord? I am not seeing that. I haven't looked at the longer 30 amp cords but that would be odd to find the longer ones for less.

[@Poaf-1]

It’s not for idiots in other words

[@MeadeLX50]

WHITE wire is the Neutral dude. Not common!?

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Calm your tits 🤣 Yes it’s the neutral wire. There are numerous applications where the neutral wire can be or is referred to as the common. I have since made sure to only refer to it as neutral so as to not excite anyone and it is the much more accepted and correct term.

[@dwmcever]

I'll make this simple.. If you have to watch a KZbin video on how to make a generator cord you probably should sell the generator.

[@thomasbechard]

Just tell people not to use suicide cords and no interlock or switch. It’s illegal and dangerous. You can bet insurance won’t back them on liability.

[@superwiseman452]

AHHHH NO you CAN'T backfeed your panel. NEVER DO THIS. It is dangerous and illegal.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

This video is about making a generator cable to insert into a power inlet box with interlock kit. It is legal and the correct way to do it. Electricians install it this way everyday.

[@superwiseman452]

@@HowToHomeDIY Agree, but you also mentioned backfeeding a home via a dryer outlet. That's what I was referring too. That is wrong on a number of levels.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

@@superwiseman452 But I also said that I wasn't doing it that way and it wasn't what the video was about. I was simply addressing that people are going to do it regardless and pointing out that it isn't the way to do it even if people are successful in doing so.

[@tomholley6904]

Could you explain the difference between forward feeding and back feeding? I understand the danger of a live male end not being plugged in but once the contacts are plugged into the receptacles on both ends its no different than a dedicated generator inlet. Last I heard electricity current flows forward and backwards. Hence the alternating current.

[@ooglek]

Even teaching or suggesting that people could or should plug their generator into their ***** plug is irresponsible. You could be indirectly responsible for a lineman's death if someone invokes your youtube video or channel for even suggesting or mentioning a ******* plug or where to plug it into your home. Suggesting or mentioning anything other than a Generator Interlock Kit in your panel or a Generator Transfer Switch is irresponsible and could put you into legal trouble in the case of an injury or death to a homeowner or lineman/linewoman. While you might not be found guilty, it would still cost you thousands of dollars to defend yourself if named in a wrongful death lawsuit.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

At no point did I say to use one nor show how to make one. When did I endorse this? I said I know of some that have done it and it has worked for them but that is not what I’m doing or what this video is about. These videos are done for entertainment purposes only as I am not an electrician. Anything you or anyone else does is at their own risk. Good day to you sir.

[@ooglek]

@@HowToHomeDIY Eh, I know it. You said it -- don't do it. You never endorsed it. But you did mention it and talk around it. I guess I worry that you mention a su****e plug or plugging into your d***r vent as options for people who don't know better to Google. I know you say you shouldn't do it unless you know what you're doing, but people don't know that they don't know what they are doing, they think they do, and it kills someone. Even if nobody ever says "look at this KZbin video that told me to do it!" the fact that people still backfeed during outages and linemen die really makes me feel bad for their families. Thus my comment. I don't think that the "for entertainment purposes only" would hold up in court... but in the same way that you are not an electrician, I am not a lawyer. And I do appreciate saving a few bucks on building my own cables. For anyone else -- NEVER POWER YOUR HOUSE EXCEPT THROUGH A GENERATOR INTERLOCK KIT OR A GENERATOR TRANSFER SWITCH. Because if you forget to disconnect mains power, and you backfeed your neighborhood, you could kill someone. Maybe even go to jail. Don't do it, ever. AND IF YOU INSTALL IT YOURSELF, HAVE AN INSPECTOR INSPECT THE WORK!!! I installed a 60amp circuit, it cost me $20 and 10 minutes to have a county inspector approve the work.

[@daniellandwehr443]

Dangerous and illegal To backfeed

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Well this video is about wiring a generator cord in order to connect to the house the “legal” way. Male end for the generator and female end for a power inlet box.

[@blowmeracing]

haha..not the most recommended way..not legal at all and should never be done period.... there is not breaker to protect the system from overloads at that distance from your panel..needed to be at the panel..

[@HowToHomeDIY]

Correct, backfeeding through a dryer outlet or range outlet would not be "legal." I said it is not recommended as it is not the correct way or code compliant way to do it but there are some that will do it anyways. This video though is about how to make a generator cable to plug into a power inlet box for a transfer switch or interlock kit.

[@Tunaslayer1]

@@HowToHomeDIY You should have stated that is ILLEGALl!! And explained why!!!! NOT ONLY CAN YOU DIE OF ELECTRICUTION, YOU COULD KILL LINEMEN WORKING UPSTREAM, AND..... IF YOUR HOUSE BURNS DOWN WHILE USING THIS METHOD....YOUR INSURANCE WILL MOST LIKELY NOT PAY FOR THE DAMAGE.

[@HowToHomeDIY]

There is nothing "illegal" in this video, this cord is the correct way to connect to a power inlet box attached to a panel with an interlock kit or transfer switch.

[@Tunaslayer1]

@@HowToHomeDIY I was talking about the "SUICIDE" CORD!!

[@religionsisaboutmagic5835]

I'll ask this secret question. How would one wire these if they only have one black and one white wires (no red wire) coming from their utility service? Iv asked this question many times on other videos, goes unanswered 😶 I'm planning on buying a generator to power my two inverter 110 v 12000 ton air-conditioning, fridge, inverter microwave, security camera system, water well pump, sump pump. Looking at buying a Champion 11,500 dual fuel generator. Thanks

[@stevehargett4651]

the wiring you mention will provide 120V service. You should not attempt to install a 12000 ton air conditioner, it is way beyond the scope of this discussion. THat would require high voltage, 3 phase power, not found in a home